Sports Takes and Predictions

NFL Week 16 Game Previews

With just two weeks left in the NFL season many teams are out of the running for the playoffs, others have all but clinched a berth, while a few face critical games in week 16. There are not as many huge matchups in week 16 as there was last weekend, but there are still some very important battles that feature teams fighting for playoff positioning.

New York Jets at Chicago Bears
Sunday, 1:00 pm

Both of these teams grabbed impressive road wins last week. The Bears have a chance to earn the #2 seed in the NFC and the bye and home-field advantage that comes with it.

Key to the game: Chicago’s pass-blocking, which ranks as the worst in the NFL, against the 10th ranked Jets pass rush.

Who do I like: I think last week’s win at Pittsburgh reinvigorated the confidence of the Jets. Mark Sanchez also proved he can win a game in the elements. I’m going with the Jets because I don’t believe the Bears will be able to generate enough offense. Look out for the special teams play in this one.

Raider Nation will be ready to terrorize Peyton Manning and the Colts on Sunday

Indianapolis Colts at Oakland Raiders
Sunday, 4:05 pm

The Colts fended off the Jaguars last Sunday to take back control of the AFC South, but they need to continue to win to keep that control. Oakland lost at Jacksonville two weeks ago in a barn-burner.

Key to the game: The Raiders second ranked rushing attack versus the Colts run D, which ranks 28th in the NFL. Indianapolis did an excellent job of bottling up the Jaguars running backs last week. They’ll have to bring that same intensity on Sunday.

Who do I like: I’m going out on a limb here and picking the Raiders. There was a clear difference in the Colts passing game last week after Austin Collie went out. And I don’t think that the Colts will find the yards on the ground like they did against Jacksonville. Indianapolis will also not have the same defensive advantage they had last week when they played on their home turf and instead will be playing on Oakland’s grass. As a result, the Raiders should be able to run the ball with success.

New York Giants at Green Bay Packers
Sunday, 4:15 pm

It’s kill or be killed in this game. After last week’s crushing loss to the Eagles the Giants can still clinch a playoff berth by beating the Packers on Sunday. Green Bay can earn a playoff spot by winning their last two games.

Key to the game: The ability of Aaron Rodgers to advance the ball through the air against the Giants’ second ranked passing defense.

Who do I like: This is really a must win for both teams. You can expect the Lambeau crowd to be electric. With a healthy Rodgers the Packers have lost only four games – each one by three points and two of them were overtime defeats. I’ve got to go with Green Bay at home here.

New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons
Monday, 8:30 pm

The Falcons can clinch homefield advantage in the NFC with a win. The Saints will earn a playoff spot with a win on enemy turf. Atlanta won in New Orleans during week three.

Key to the game: Turnovers – the Saints turned the ball over 13 times in their four losses.

Who do I like: New Orleans may have been caught looking forward to this game while losing last Sunday in Baltimore. I think the Saints have really had their eye on getting back at the Falcons since they lost in week three. They have the perfect opportunity to do so in week 16. I think New Orleans will come out very focused on Monday night and beat Atlanta. It will only delay the inevitable division championship for the Falcons, but it will send a message heading into the playoffs where they may meet for a third time.

Who do you think will win these four big games? Share your predictions by posting a comment below.